For some women, our periods can really be a point of contention. I know this from personal experience. When each month arrives it can be a time of frustration, moods swings, tears, flatness and the list goes on. It is like riding an emotional roller coaster. Get ready for the up and down ride.
I remember my periods to be a frustrating time. To be honest, I was a moody bitch. I felt like I had no control over my emotions. Normally, I’m a fairly relaxed individual but my period made me crazy. I dreaded the emotional pendulum. I felt as though I was walking a tight rope. That was until, I discovered Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine. They finally offered me a Natural Alternative to the pill.
Here in the West, we view our menstrual cycle completely different to how the Chinese women view theirs. The Chinese have innate wisdom and approach towards their periods and menopause. They are educated about their menstrual cycles.
As soon as a woman in china notices an irregularity with her period, the first thing she does is head down to her local hospital to see her Chinese Medicine Doctor. An irregularity for them can range from: a change in length of cycle, change in blood flow, clots, heavy/flooding periods, painful periods, no periods, irregular cycle, breast tenderness, mood swings etc.
I remember sitting with the Professor in Shangdon Hospital and the room was filled with around 20 women all waiting to see her. What I loved about this experience was there were no barriers. Every woman in that room, knew exactly what the other woman was been treated for. What I have found in Australia, is our most important issues for women tend to have a “shhhh” don’t talk mentally around them and are swept under the carpet. Thank goodness for our girlfriends! After spending a year practicing in China, what I have taken home with me has been invaluable. We need to talk about our issues and when it comes to our time of month we don’t need to suffer.
In Chinese Medicine a normal period should come and go with ease. Can you believe that! Let me tell you, when this happens it is pure liberation. We are educated in the West that painful periods, mood swings etc. are all classified as a “normal part” of our menstrual cycle. Can I please inform you this is incorrect! We have an answer as to why this is happening.
What you are experiencing each month is very real due, to the biological and chemical changes that take place during our menstrual cycle. No, you are not crazy!! Our body is made up of a complex hormonal system. PMS and irregularities in our menstrual cycle arise due to fluctuations within this hormonal system (endocrine).
Our time of month should be an easy transition. In essence, our periods should just flow- emotionally and physically. This is where acupuncture and Chinese herbs are brilliant. Acupuncture works on balancing our neuroendocrine axis – our hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenals (HPA axis). It helps to regulate and balance our hormonal (endocrine) system. Chinese herbs assist in balancing our entire menstrual cycle and creating a healthy menstrual flow.
A quick Lesson 101 in female hormones!
Our brain produces the happy hormones called serotonin. This is the hormone that makes us feel good. Sometimes, the brain doesn’t utilize the chemical neuro-transmitter- serotonin which can affect our moods. When levels are low, depression and even anxiety can occur. Research has shown that low levels of serotonin can be the result of a sensitive reaction to changes in estrogen and progesterone. For this very reason you can feel flat, depressed or anxious around the time of your period
After ovulation our adrenal gland produces a chemical called aldosterone (this is when the ovaries release a mature egg for possible fertilization). This chemical aldosterone can contribute to PMS symptoms such as headaches, water retention and breast tenderness.
Our body produces another chemical hormone called endorphins. Endorphins mask pain and are also released when we exercise. Sometimes, Painful periods, PMS and depression can occur when our body doesn’t produce enough endorphins. This is why it can be important for some to exercise during their period.
Our Pituitary gland produces the hormone prolactin for breast-feeding. Sometimes our pituitary gland can over produce prolactin, which can hinder ovulation causing breast tenderness and cycle irregularity. We don’t see a lot of this in the clinic, however you have a blood test for your Prolactin levels and CT scan for any benign Pituitary tumors.
Our body produces cells called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins help regulate our menstrual cycle, ovulation and induction of labour. Prostaglandins are released at the time of our period; they help break down the uterine lining and cause muscular contraction. Over production of prostaglandins can cause painful periods, cramping headaches and vomiting. Evening primrose oil helps to reduce over production of prostaglandins, especially if you have endometriosis.
Our Angea Fertility Goddess “Flow Tea” is designed to help with painful periods and ease any uncomfortable dullness and uterine cramping. This tea is described like taking a Ponstad. It reduces inflammation and allows the blood to flow helping to reduce blood clots and create a healthy flow
Flow Tea
Our “PMS Tea” is amazing!! Hence the name, “Free Women’s Wandering Powder”. Doesn’t it just sound like a something out of the 60’s!! Flower Power, peace and love! Can I tell you from personal experience this tea reduces PMS. It makes you loving! My partner would always ask me have you been taking your herbs? He could tell when I hadn’t!
PMS TEA
If you feel as though you are just not in flow or suffering menstrual irregularities. I recommend having a chat with a Health Practitioner. Firstly and foremost, I want to educate you that periods- where you suffer physically are not considered “normal”. If you are deciding to go on the pill for painful periods etc. that you are well educated about your choices!!
At Angea, our Practitioners have a wealth of information when it comes to women’s health. We are also aligned with some wonderful Integrative Doctors. Come down and see us! We are just like your girlfriends.
If you book during Women’s Wellness Week, receive a complimentary “FLOW ” or “PMS tea valued at $35 and 10% of Initial Consultation.
Our Women’s Health Yoga also helps to balance your hormones and regulate your cycle. We are offering complimentary yoga classes during Women’s Wellness Week this Thursday evening 14th August at 7.30pm.
If you would like to book an appointment to get your Menstrual Cycle in flow you can call the clinic on 9510 3700 or book online at www.mindbodyonline.com
To find out more about our Teas your can email info@angea.com.au or pop into the clinic
Connect to your Inner Goddess- Mind, Body & Spirit
Love Amanda & The Angea Team.